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Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God
Sound doctrine is the life-blood of God's people, providing the foundation for the church's unity and witness. From shaping the corporate life of the church to directing individuals in the practical issues of life, right thinking about God, humanity, sin, and salvation is indispensable for real growth. This short, readable book speaks to the importance of good theology for godly living and powerfully argues that truth is always meant to lead to transformation.
Hardcover
First published April 1, 2013
53 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Bobby Jamieson
31 books45 followersBobby Jamieson is a Ph.D. student in New Testament and affiliated lecturer in New Testament Greek at the University of Cambridge. He and his wife are members of Eden Baptist Church, and they live in Cambridge with their three children. Bobby previously served as assistant editor for 9Marks.
See also R.B. Jamieson
See also R.B. Jamieson
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 29, 2024
5+ ⭐️ One of the best in the series. Highly recommend!
“Sound doctrine brings light and hope and joy. It fills our hearts with satisfaction in Christ because of what he has done for us… Sound doctrine should shape our lives, and our lives would be shaped by the church, and help shape the church. The joy we have in God through sound doctrine is made complete when we share our joy with our brothers and sisters in the fellowship of the church.”
“Sound doctrine brings light and hope and joy. It fills our hearts with satisfaction in Christ because of what he has done for us… Sound doctrine should shape our lives, and our lives would be shaped by the church, and help shape the church. The joy we have in God through sound doctrine is made complete when we share our joy with our brothers and sisters in the fellowship of the church.”
August 10, 2022
O carte extraordinar de benefică. Este una din cărțile care explică atâta de bine de ce este important sa avem o învățătură sănătoasă. Tratează domeniile în care învățătura sănătoasă ar trebui sa stea la bază cum ar fi închinarea, predicarea, unitatea, evanghelizarea, dragostea. Și ce mi-a plăcut e că la baza afirmațiilor pe care autorul le face, sta Cuvântul lui Dumnezeu. Ia texte biblice și apoi face exegeză și extrage principii pe care mai apoi le aplică la viața Bisericii. Și mai mult decât atât, te conștientizează că ești responsabil, că membru al unei biserici, sa ai o învățătura sănătoasă. Nu doar cei care predica cinsi noi fiecare în parte suntem responsabili sa avem o învățătură sănătoasă.
Unul din lucrurile care mi-a plăcut cel mai mult este capitolul în care discută despre faptul că învățătura sănătoasă vizează unitatea Bisericii și explică faptul că învățătura sănătoasă unește Biserica, nu desparte Biserica. Așa cum multa lume spune că doctrina divide pe când dragostea unește.
Este una din cărțile care te motivează (în sensul bun). O carte pe care după ce o citești ești plin de entuziasm la a studia mai mult din Cuvantul lui Dumnezeu, a-L cunoaște mai multe pe Dumnezeu, pentru că înțelegi ce impact are în viața ta și în viața Bisericii.
Și o să las un citat cu care se încheie cartea, citat care mie mi-a plăcut tare mult:
"Învățătura sănătoasă ar trebui să modeleze viețile noastre, iar viețile noastre ar trebui să fie modelate de către biserică, și să ajute la modelarea bisericii. Bucuria pe care o avem în Dumnezeu prin învățătura sănătoasă este deplină atunci când dăm mai departe bucuria noastră fraților și surorilor noștri din părtășia bisericii.
Vrei să ai bucurie în Dumnezeu? Atunci dedică-te studierii învățăturii sănătoase și trăirii vieții pe care aceasta ți-o modelează. Și fă toate acestea alături de ceilalți membri ai bisericii tale. Vei descoperi că, pe măsură ce bucuria ta în Dumnezeu va curge către ceilalți, ea va crește constant, la rândul ei, spre plinătate."
Unul din lucrurile care mi-a plăcut cel mai mult este capitolul în care discută despre faptul că învățătura sănătoasă vizează unitatea Bisericii și explică faptul că învățătura sănătoasă unește Biserica, nu desparte Biserica. Așa cum multa lume spune că doctrina divide pe când dragostea unește.
Este una din cărțile care te motivează (în sensul bun). O carte pe care după ce o citești ești plin de entuziasm la a studia mai mult din Cuvantul lui Dumnezeu, a-L cunoaște mai multe pe Dumnezeu, pentru că înțelegi ce impact are în viața ta și în viața Bisericii.
Și o să las un citat cu care se încheie cartea, citat care mie mi-a plăcut tare mult:
"Învățătura sănătoasă ar trebui să modeleze viețile noastre, iar viețile noastre ar trebui să fie modelate de către biserică, și să ajute la modelarea bisericii. Bucuria pe care o avem în Dumnezeu prin învățătura sănătoasă este deplină atunci când dăm mai departe bucuria noastră fraților și surorilor noștri din părtășia bisericii.
Vrei să ai bucurie în Dumnezeu? Atunci dedică-te studierii învățăturii sănătoase și trăirii vieții pe care aceasta ți-o modelează. Și fă toate acestea alături de ceilalți membri ai bisericii tale. Vei descoperi că, pe măsură ce bucuria ta în Dumnezeu va curge către ceilalți, ea va crește constant, la rândul ei, spre plinătate."
November 12, 2017
This book was ok for me. Everything he says is true but something was off. The best I can figure is that if the peeps at P&P read this, they would have no issue with anything it said. When it comes to sound doctrine IN PRACTICE, that’s troubling.
I also didn’t like how it was written seemingly solely for pastors. The other 9Marks books I’ve read seemed geared to both leadership and laypeople but not this one, not that laypeople can’t get anything out of this book.
Again, the book doctrinally is sound just not as practical and balanced as I would’ve liked.
I also didn’t like how it was written seemingly solely for pastors. The other 9Marks books I’ve read seemed geared to both leadership and laypeople but not this one, not that laypeople can’t get anything out of this book.
Again, the book doctrinally is sound just not as practical and balanced as I would’ve liked.
September 2, 2023
Bobby Jamieson shows how doctrine impacts and is necessary for the life of the church. It sometimes felt a little disconnected, but overall it was helpful and had some good reminders.
October 23, 2020
It's still a good book doctrinally, however, it seems to be addressed more like a textbook than for lay-people. Too many repetitions. There are times when the writer repeat the same point again and again, even when he has written it or quote another source to make his point.
Another thing to consider is that how the writer write. Sound doctrine is a good indicative for the health of the church, but the writer (maybe intentionally or unintentionally) wrote as if it's the only thing that makes a church healthy.
It could have been written shorter and therefore make more room for narratives and applications of sound doctrine - both personally for the individual and for the church. "Sound Doctrine" is important subject to tackle, and sadly doesn't deliver. I don't want to be mean, but this book could have been better. So much potential wasted.
Another thing to consider is that how the writer write. Sound doctrine is a good indicative for the health of the church, but the writer (maybe intentionally or unintentionally) wrote as if it's the only thing that makes a church healthy.
It could have been written shorter and therefore make more room for narratives and applications of sound doctrine - both personally for the individual and for the church. "Sound Doctrine" is important subject to tackle, and sadly doesn't deliver. I don't want to be mean, but this book could have been better. So much potential wasted.
September 28, 2017
This book gives you an introduction to why Sound Doctrine is important in a believers life as well as in the church's life .This book has convinced me that Sound doctrine is essential for living godly lives and also in the life of the church.We often neglect it because we think that its not needed and Its for people who are in leadership. I like how the author explains the entire book in one sentence in its concluding chapter "Sound doctrine is the lifeblood of the church. It shapes and guides the church’s teaching. It nourishes holiness. It fosters love. It grounds and repairs unity. It calls forth worship. And it informs and motivates our witness to the gospel. "
November 25, 2019
An important topic, and an adequate job of tackling the subject.
While Jamieson helpfully links the importance of sound doctrine with different aspects of the Christina faith (the life of the church, teaching the bible, holiness, love, unity, worship, witness and joy) I felt he almost overstates his case - arguing that having sound doctrine is THE most important of part of being a Christian.
Also, it felt like he could have used a more useful paradigm: e.g. rather that treating doctrine as a category or topic (or ‘mark’ of a healthy church’) against which to compare others, it would have been more helpful to describe doctrine as a way of thinking about and expressing faith, and t implications or doing that well or not.
Finally, I would have appreciated more inspiration about the importance of doctrine rather than a “its boring but we just have to do it” mentality.
While Jamieson helpfully links the importance of sound doctrine with different aspects of the Christina faith (the life of the church, teaching the bible, holiness, love, unity, worship, witness and joy) I felt he almost overstates his case - arguing that having sound doctrine is THE most important of part of being a Christian.
Also, it felt like he could have used a more useful paradigm: e.g. rather that treating doctrine as a category or topic (or ‘mark’ of a healthy church’) against which to compare others, it would have been more helpful to describe doctrine as a way of thinking about and expressing faith, and t implications or doing that well or not.
Finally, I would have appreciated more inspiration about the importance of doctrine rather than a “its boring but we just have to do it” mentality.
January 6, 2023
This is a sound book that’s faithful to Scripture. However, the book is quite a dry and dull read. It still accomplishes it’s purpose in showing how sound doctrine is for “life in the church, the life of the church, and beyond.”
June 7, 2018
Solid & good, if concise and colloquial.
July 6, 2022
This is a 3.5 that I don’t think is a 4 standard.
The content is good but it was frequently geared towards pastors and not Christians as a whole.
Good short resource.
The content is good but it was frequently geared towards pastors and not Christians as a whole.
Good short resource.
January 4, 2023
Un libro sencillo de leer que nos hace ver la importancia del estudio de la doctrina. Muchas veces he escuchado comentarios incluso de "pastores" que dicen que ellos no enseñan doctrina, pero enseñan el evangelio... Hoy confirmo que es lo mas tonto que he oido.
Este libro de una forma dinámica, sencilla y directa aborda como la sana doctrina sirve para moldear nuestras vidas, trae luz y esperanza, porque en la doctrina de se revela las riquezas de la gracia De Dios en Cristo.
Necesitamos iglesias que enseñen doctrina, para la vida.
Este libro de una forma dinámica, sencilla y directa aborda como la sana doctrina sirve para moldear nuestras vidas, trae luz y esperanza, porque en la doctrina de se revela las riquezas de la gracia De Dios en Cristo.
Necesitamos iglesias que enseñen doctrina, para la vida.
May 10, 2025
This should be basic knowledge among christians. Worth reading. So far this series looks amazing!
July 16, 2025
I love the subtitle and how it gets unpacked throughout the book. I especially loved the chapter on worship and its relation to sound doctrine.
February 6, 2021
Sound doctrine = holiness
May 21, 2024
Good stuff!
September 14, 2023
This book is excellent. It leads the reader down the path of benefits in sound doctrine. The author makes the case that sound doctrine is beneficial to the congregations holiness, love, unity, worship and witness. It is a quick and simple read.
May 20, 2025
Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on Hoopla.
A solid book on the necessity of solid doctrine!
A solid book on the necessity of solid doctrine!
November 12, 2018
This review originally appeared at Reading Reformed.
Sound doctrine is essential for living Godly lives and building healthy churches. This isn’t everyone’s view of sound doctrine, but it is what Bobby Jamieson seeks to convince his readers of in the book Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God. This book is part of the 9Marks series Building Healthy Churches.
Summary:
Jamieson does a good job of fulfilling his stated goal of showing how sound doctrine is important for life and healthy churches. Each of the 7 chapters explains how doctrine affects an aspect of life, ranging from personal applications to churchwide applications. On page 17, Jamieson gives a definition of sound doctrine as “a summary of the Bible’s teaching that is both faithful to the Bible and useful for life.” This captures well the historic protestant tradition of sola scriptura, or scripture alone, by which scriptures are the final authority in the life of the believer and the church. As we formulate and test doctrines the scriptures should be the place that we turn, and these doctrines should be practical and useful for us.
In the current time, many Christians do not place much value on sound doctrine. There are likely many reasons for this, but I think that one of those reasons is that we do not see the usefulness of it. With this backdrop, this book really shines. One needs to read the book to gather the insights that Jamieson has but two of the chapters in particular that I found to be very helpful were Sound Doctrine is for Holiness and Sound Doctrine is for Worship.
Jamieson sets up the case that sound doctrine is important for holiness with the foundation of his argument being the prayer of Jesus in John 17, in which Christ asks that his disciples be sanctified by the truth, and states that God’s word is truth. Christ’s desire is that his people would be becoming holy and the word of God is how that is brought about. As defined, sound doctrine becomes an important tool for applying God’s word to our lives with the goal of holiness in mind. Jamieson also brings 1 Timothy 1:8-11 as an argument from the opposite side. Paul lays out a laundry list of sinful behaviors and then adds to the end “and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.” All these sinful behaviors are contrary to sound doctrine. Therefore, if sound doctrine is properly applied, these sinful behaviors will be confronted.
When Jamieson shifts his focus to worship he writes:
If, as the Westminster divines write, our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever, then the main focus of our sound doctrine should be to glorify God in and through it. Jamieson goes on to write about how our sound doctrine should inform and fuel our worship as well as guide and regulate it. In my opinion, this chapter was the crown jewel of this book and the arguments of the importance of sound doctrine.
Content:
Jamieson has quite adequately made the case for why sound doctrine is important, and he grounds his argument in Biblical truth. By nature of the series this book falls in (building healthy churches), this book is geared towards individuals in church leadership. However, it is written in a way that is easy to read and understand and can provide insight to all readers. It is written in a personal, almost conversational, tone. As one would expect from a book on this topic it is faithful to scriptures in the ample references and allusions that it makes to them.
My only complaint about the content of the book is that most chapters start off with a story that then is used as an illustration or analogy. This is not a writing style I am particularly fond of but is very common in our culture today. In this case Jamieson does have a good foundation for his arguments and they do not overly rely on the analogies that he uses but because of the formatting it can be easy to view the arguments as based on the analogy which is not a firm foundation at all. Analogies can be helpful in explaining an argument but the argument itself should be grounded in truth. I think that this book would have been served better to have had the scriptural truth laid out first, then the point that was to be made presented and finally an analogy or two to help explain or clarify. In this format, what the argument is built upon is much more apparent.
Physical:
This book has the same small dimensions as the other books in the series, 5-1/8”x7-1/4” and is 7 chapters spanning 105 pages. The introduction to the book starts on page 13, so the total reading length is under 100 pages. Unlike some of the other books in this series, the footnotes are at the bottom of the pages rather than at the back, which is convenient for those of us that like to be able to glance at them quickly and see if there is any pertinent information in them. The font was easy to read and the hard cover on the book seemed durable throughout the duration of the time it spent being lugged around in my backpack.
Recommendation:
I think that this book did an excellent job covering the topic of the importance of sound doctrine, especially when considering its small size. I would recommend it not only to its target audience of church leaders but to all who claim the name of Christ and haven’t spent much time thinking about the importance of sound doctrine. It is a great starting place for thinking through this topic that is highly important to the church.
Sound doctrine is essential for living Godly lives and building healthy churches. This isn’t everyone’s view of sound doctrine, but it is what Bobby Jamieson seeks to convince his readers of in the book Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God. This book is part of the 9Marks series Building Healthy Churches.
Summary:
Jamieson does a good job of fulfilling his stated goal of showing how sound doctrine is important for life and healthy churches. Each of the 7 chapters explains how doctrine affects an aspect of life, ranging from personal applications to churchwide applications. On page 17, Jamieson gives a definition of sound doctrine as “a summary of the Bible’s teaching that is both faithful to the Bible and useful for life.” This captures well the historic protestant tradition of sola scriptura, or scripture alone, by which scriptures are the final authority in the life of the believer and the church. As we formulate and test doctrines the scriptures should be the place that we turn, and these doctrines should be practical and useful for us.
In the current time, many Christians do not place much value on sound doctrine. There are likely many reasons for this, but I think that one of those reasons is that we do not see the usefulness of it. With this backdrop, this book really shines. One needs to read the book to gather the insights that Jamieson has but two of the chapters in particular that I found to be very helpful were Sound Doctrine is for Holiness and Sound Doctrine is for Worship.
Jamieson sets up the case that sound doctrine is important for holiness with the foundation of his argument being the prayer of Jesus in John 17, in which Christ asks that his disciples be sanctified by the truth, and states that God’s word is truth. Christ’s desire is that his people would be becoming holy and the word of God is how that is brought about. As defined, sound doctrine becomes an important tool for applying God’s word to our lives with the goal of holiness in mind. Jamieson also brings 1 Timothy 1:8-11 as an argument from the opposite side. Paul lays out a laundry list of sinful behaviors and then adds to the end “and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.” All these sinful behaviors are contrary to sound doctrine. Therefore, if sound doctrine is properly applied, these sinful behaviors will be confronted.
When Jamieson shifts his focus to worship he writes:
Worship as the Bible defines it is giving to God the glory that he deserves because of who he is and what he has done for us in Christ. Worship is about giving God the heartfelt adoration, praise and obedience that he is due. Which is why sound doctrine is for worship.
Bobby Jamieson, Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God, 85
If, as the Westminster divines write, our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever, then the main focus of our sound doctrine should be to glorify God in and through it. Jamieson goes on to write about how our sound doctrine should inform and fuel our worship as well as guide and regulate it. In my opinion, this chapter was the crown jewel of this book and the arguments of the importance of sound doctrine.
Content:
Jamieson has quite adequately made the case for why sound doctrine is important, and he grounds his argument in Biblical truth. By nature of the series this book falls in (building healthy churches), this book is geared towards individuals in church leadership. However, it is written in a way that is easy to read and understand and can provide insight to all readers. It is written in a personal, almost conversational, tone. As one would expect from a book on this topic it is faithful to scriptures in the ample references and allusions that it makes to them.
My only complaint about the content of the book is that most chapters start off with a story that then is used as an illustration or analogy. This is not a writing style I am particularly fond of but is very common in our culture today. In this case Jamieson does have a good foundation for his arguments and they do not overly rely on the analogies that he uses but because of the formatting it can be easy to view the arguments as based on the analogy which is not a firm foundation at all. Analogies can be helpful in explaining an argument but the argument itself should be grounded in truth. I think that this book would have been served better to have had the scriptural truth laid out first, then the point that was to be made presented and finally an analogy or two to help explain or clarify. In this format, what the argument is built upon is much more apparent.
Physical:
This book has the same small dimensions as the other books in the series, 5-1/8”x7-1/4” and is 7 chapters spanning 105 pages. The introduction to the book starts on page 13, so the total reading length is under 100 pages. Unlike some of the other books in this series, the footnotes are at the bottom of the pages rather than at the back, which is convenient for those of us that like to be able to glance at them quickly and see if there is any pertinent information in them. The font was easy to read and the hard cover on the book seemed durable throughout the duration of the time it spent being lugged around in my backpack.
Recommendation:
I think that this book did an excellent job covering the topic of the importance of sound doctrine, especially when considering its small size. I would recommend it not only to its target audience of church leaders but to all who claim the name of Christ and haven’t spent much time thinking about the importance of sound doctrine. It is a great starting place for thinking through this topic that is highly important to the church.
Read
October 7, 2021Cuando hablamos de sana doctrina, por lo general uno puede imaginar a estudiosos de bibliotecas, seminaristas o pastores. Quizás a veces podamos pensar en cristianos comprometidos estudiando sana doctrina. Pero realmente no siempre pensamos de qué manera tiene la sana doctrina un sentido muy práctico en la vida del cristiano, en cómo puede la sana doctrina impactar la vida diaria del creyente y la vida de la iglesia local. Es a esto último que «La sana doctrina» apunta.
Lee la reseña en Coalición por el Evangelio.
Lee la reseña en Coalición por el Evangelio.
January 16, 2016
I highly recommend this book written by my son-in-law. That's not why I recommend it, however. Bobby's gift for teaching is evident in the way he condenses theological concepts to their basic, "shoe-leather" form for any layperson to understand clearly and immediately.
You may love it or hate it, agree or disagree, but this book is New Testament Bible Theology, plain and simple, direct and pure.
You may love it or hate it, agree or disagree, but this book is New Testament Bible Theology, plain and simple, direct and pure.
June 5, 2013
An excellent primer on the value, necessity, and practical purpose of sound doctrine. And its a quick and pleasurable read.
A great addition to a great series (the 9Marks Building Healthy Churches Series).
A great addition to a great series (the 9Marks Building Healthy Churches Series).
October 15, 2019
Simple and yet rich. Love Bobby's gift of clarity. Great resource.
June 10, 2022
Sound doctrine and why it’s important.
April 26, 2024
Started reading April 25, 2024. Finished reading April 26, 2024.
Written Review
Ah, this will be a very different "review". This will be more of a book discussion regarding some highlights of this incredibly understandable biblically theological book on Sound Doctrine in the Church. Wow, I am blown away! This is really an awesome and succinct book with astounding teaching and learnings to be gleaned... I am blown away. I am currently preparing a sermon on John 19:28-42 and this was vastly helpful as I prepare my teaching.
In my reading of this work, I nearly ran out of ink in my highlighter. There were 108 pages in this work and I have a highlight on nearly every page. I highlighted based on something I wanted to read again, or share with my wife and children, or with my church. I learned so much while reading this book. I am going to try to articulate my own thoughts with my highlights.
With so many, I don't want to basically write the words in this book as my discussion, however I certainly think this is important for reading as a Christian. This is a great work that enlightens the reader with understandable teachings to anyone in the church from the nursery to the pulpit. Let's do it!
Back Cover
How do you feel about Doctrine? Whatever answer comes to mind, this book will not only convince you that sound doctrine is vital for living a godly life, it will also explain the essential role of theology in the life of a healthy church. After all, thinking rightly about God affects everything, from guiding us in practical issues to growing a church's unity and witness. This short, readable book shows how good theology leads to transformation, life, and joy.
Table of Contents (in the book)
Sound Doctrine Is for Life - the Life of the Church
Sound Doctrine Is for Reading and Teaching the Bible
Sound Doctrine Is for Holiness
Sound Doctrine Is for Love
Sound Doctrine Is for Unity
Sound Doctrine Is for Worship
Sound Doctrine Is for Witness
A Couple Quotes
In an effort to not quote too much, here are six quotes..
Page 20
Sound doctrine leads to sound faith, sound hearts, and sound consciences. And these become the fountain from which flows an entire life that is pleasing to God.
Page 22
However, unlike surfing, the very nature of the Christian life is corporate.
To become a Christian is to be added to the church (Acts 2:31).
To get baptized is to be baptized into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
To come to faith in Christ is to be brought near, nor just to God, but to God's people (Eph. 2:17-22).
To call on and obey God as Father is to have Christians for your brothers and sisters (Matt. 12:46-50).
And growth as a Christian is consistently defined in corporate terms. How many fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) can you practice alone on a desert island?
Page 26
And a church's way of teaching and worshiping and praying and so on deeply impacts every member of the church - just like the culture of a family indelibly stamps every member of the family.
Page 30
Ultimately, the goal of reading and teaching Scripture is to love God and our neighbor better. And the way to love God more is to know God more.
Page 32
The Bible is a story that preaches a message. From beginning to end, the Bible tells a single story of salvation. From creation, through our fall into sin, to Jesus' saving work on the cross and the eventual restoration of God's rule over all creation, the Bible tells a single epic narrative that spans Genesis to Revelation. It tells the story of how God is working out salvation for his people through his Son Jesus. Yet this isn't just a story - it's a story that really happened.
(this is something I love to read - someone's explanation of the way to salvation or the whole biblical message)
Page 97
Think about the importance of understanding the whole biblical story that the gospel completes - the narrative of creation and the fall, the exodus, Israel's conquest of the land, the judges and kings, and Israel's exile from their land and promised restoration. The better we know this story, the better we will understand the gospel, which is the fulfillment of this story. This is especially important for evangelizing people who have some knowledge of Scripture, such as those who have a Christian background, but have not repented of sin and trusted in Christ. When someone has a basic understanding of the Bible's storyline, we can build on that understanding and demonstrate how all the stories of Scripture find their ultimate meaning in the gospel.
Written Review
Ah, this will be a very different "review". This will be more of a book discussion regarding some highlights of this incredibly understandable biblically theological book on Sound Doctrine in the Church. Wow, I am blown away! This is really an awesome and succinct book with astounding teaching and learnings to be gleaned... I am blown away. I am currently preparing a sermon on John 19:28-42 and this was vastly helpful as I prepare my teaching.
In my reading of this work, I nearly ran out of ink in my highlighter. There were 108 pages in this work and I have a highlight on nearly every page. I highlighted based on something I wanted to read again, or share with my wife and children, or with my church. I learned so much while reading this book. I am going to try to articulate my own thoughts with my highlights.
With so many, I don't want to basically write the words in this book as my discussion, however I certainly think this is important for reading as a Christian. This is a great work that enlightens the reader with understandable teachings to anyone in the church from the nursery to the pulpit. Let's do it!
Back Cover
How do you feel about Doctrine? Whatever answer comes to mind, this book will not only convince you that sound doctrine is vital for living a godly life, it will also explain the essential role of theology in the life of a healthy church. After all, thinking rightly about God affects everything, from guiding us in practical issues to growing a church's unity and witness. This short, readable book shows how good theology leads to transformation, life, and joy.
Table of Contents (in the book)
Sound Doctrine Is for Life - the Life of the Church
Sound Doctrine Is for Reading and Teaching the Bible
Sound Doctrine Is for Holiness
Sound Doctrine Is for Love
Sound Doctrine Is for Unity
Sound Doctrine Is for Worship
Sound Doctrine Is for Witness
A Couple Quotes
In an effort to not quote too much, here are six quotes..
Page 20
Sound doctrine leads to sound faith, sound hearts, and sound consciences. And these become the fountain from which flows an entire life that is pleasing to God.
Page 22
However, unlike surfing, the very nature of the Christian life is corporate.
To become a Christian is to be added to the church (Acts 2:31).
To get baptized is to be baptized into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).
To come to faith in Christ is to be brought near, nor just to God, but to God's people (Eph. 2:17-22).
To call on and obey God as Father is to have Christians for your brothers and sisters (Matt. 12:46-50).
And growth as a Christian is consistently defined in corporate terms. How many fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) can you practice alone on a desert island?
Page 26
And a church's way of teaching and worshiping and praying and so on deeply impacts every member of the church - just like the culture of a family indelibly stamps every member of the family.
Page 30
Ultimately, the goal of reading and teaching Scripture is to love God and our neighbor better. And the way to love God more is to know God more.
Page 32
The Bible is a story that preaches a message. From beginning to end, the Bible tells a single story of salvation. From creation, through our fall into sin, to Jesus' saving work on the cross and the eventual restoration of God's rule over all creation, the Bible tells a single epic narrative that spans Genesis to Revelation. It tells the story of how God is working out salvation for his people through his Son Jesus. Yet this isn't just a story - it's a story that really happened.
(this is something I love to read - someone's explanation of the way to salvation or the whole biblical message)
Page 97
Think about the importance of understanding the whole biblical story that the gospel completes - the narrative of creation and the fall, the exodus, Israel's conquest of the land, the judges and kings, and Israel's exile from their land and promised restoration. The better we know this story, the better we will understand the gospel, which is the fulfillment of this story. This is especially important for evangelizing people who have some knowledge of Scripture, such as those who have a Christian background, but have not repented of sin and trusted in Christ. When someone has a basic understanding of the Bible's storyline, we can build on that understanding and demonstrate how all the stories of Scripture find their ultimate meaning in the gospel.
March 22, 2025
The book was more about the results of sound doctrine (increased love, unified church, theologically informed worship, etc.) more than it was about doctrine itself. Biblically, what is doctrine? What does the Bible say about doctrine? What does the Bible say about false doctrine? How do we move from Scripture to doctrine? How should we prioritize certain doctrines (i.e., practice theological triage)? Why are modern people averse to doctrine? In my judgment, these questions are given little to no consideration and they are more important than discussing the results of sound doctrine. That topic would have been better as one chapter in the book, not 90% of the book.
Another weakness is that almost every time the book mentions the word “doctrine,” it could simply exchange it for the word “Bible” and nothing would change. For example, “You need to know sound doctrine in order to grow in love for people,” could just as easily read “You need to study the Bible in order to grow in love for people.” So it almost reinforces that people don’t need to study doctrine and they just need to read their Bibles.
I want to be able to give young believers a book that explains what doctrine is, how it’s done, what the Bible itself says about it, how it’s inevitably practiced (even by people who are anti-doctrinal), how to prioritize doctrines, and why modern people are averse to doctrine. This book by and large just focuses on the results of studying sound doctrine, not on the topic of doctrine itself.
Another weakness is that almost every time the book mentions the word “doctrine,” it could simply exchange it for the word “Bible” and nothing would change. For example, “You need to know sound doctrine in order to grow in love for people,” could just as easily read “You need to study the Bible in order to grow in love for people.” So it almost reinforces that people don’t need to study doctrine and they just need to read their Bibles.
I want to be able to give young believers a book that explains what doctrine is, how it’s done, what the Bible itself says about it, how it’s inevitably practiced (even by people who are anti-doctrinal), how to prioritize doctrines, and why modern people are averse to doctrine. This book by and large just focuses on the results of studying sound doctrine, not on the topic of doctrine itself.
June 3, 2021
Sound Doctrine: How A Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God by Bobby Jamieson, Crossway, 2013, 110 pages
This is another of the small books put out by 9 Marks Ministries to speak briefly on important subjects. Though I didn’t read it in the promotional material for this series of books, I believe part of the motivation of this project is the fact that many Christians, even Pastors, are intimidated by the heavier volumes on the subjects dealt with in this series. Better to read a brief book than not to read one at all! Still, this volume like the others in this series that I have read, give useful information in a readily digestible form. What’s more there are footnotes that suggest other books to follow up the ideas discussed.
It is the authors contention that sound biblical doctrine builds holiness, love, unity, worship, witness, and joy. He undergirds this with scripture, logic, and personal experience and makes a compelling case. This book may be brief, but it is well worth reading.
This is another of the small books put out by 9 Marks Ministries to speak briefly on important subjects. Though I didn’t read it in the promotional material for this series of books, I believe part of the motivation of this project is the fact that many Christians, even Pastors, are intimidated by the heavier volumes on the subjects dealt with in this series. Better to read a brief book than not to read one at all! Still, this volume like the others in this series that I have read, give useful information in a readily digestible form. What’s more there are footnotes that suggest other books to follow up the ideas discussed.
It is the authors contention that sound biblical doctrine builds holiness, love, unity, worship, witness, and joy. He undergirds this with scripture, logic, and personal experience and makes a compelling case. This book may be brief, but it is well worth reading.
May 30, 2019
Overall, the majority of the book demonstrates the effect of the Word of God, as studied and taught, in the lives of the believers. I think the value of the book is in this outlook.
On the other hand “sound doctrine” may be interpreted by different leaders in different ways. Some doctrines are non-negotiable. Yet others maybe more of theological opinion. I did not hear a clear warning that “doctrine” can become an obstacle to unity, purity and church health. If “sound doctrine” is equated with the Gospel message, then the book serves as reflection on benefits of faithful study the Word of God. But what I hear, is that teaching sound doctrine is more like behavior modification therapy. Christian life is about more then that. It’s about abiding in Christ. Also the author presupposes certain theological system (Five Point Calvinism) as sound doctrine. Or at least certain parts of it are mentioned in a form of examples.
On the other hand “sound doctrine” may be interpreted by different leaders in different ways. Some doctrines are non-negotiable. Yet others maybe more of theological opinion. I did not hear a clear warning that “doctrine” can become an obstacle to unity, purity and church health. If “sound doctrine” is equated with the Gospel message, then the book serves as reflection on benefits of faithful study the Word of God. But what I hear, is that teaching sound doctrine is more like behavior modification therapy. Christian life is about more then that. It’s about abiding in Christ. Also the author presupposes certain theological system (Five Point Calvinism) as sound doctrine. Or at least certain parts of it are mentioned in a form of examples.
July 5, 2021
Are you aware that solid Biblical teaching (also known as Sound Doctrine) has an effect on other areas of your life, such as loving others, corporate worship, personal holiness, etc.? Bobby Jamieson does an excellent job of showing the importance of good Scriptural teaching, likening it to being a professional jazz musician (he was one) and a surfer (again, he was one).
What is sound doctrine? Jamieson defines it as the teaching that is consistent through Scripture. The drawback on the subject - good Christian teachers sometimes disagree on what sound doctrine is. To some, sound doctrine would include the eternal security of the believer, while another believes sound doctrine allows a Christian to fall from grace. For the most part, Jamieson doesn't get into areas of controversy, though he does mention the doctrine of election later in the book. Rather, his examples are in areas of doctrine most Christians regardless of denomination would agree on.
I would recommend this book.
What is sound doctrine? Jamieson defines it as the teaching that is consistent through Scripture. The drawback on the subject - good Christian teachers sometimes disagree on what sound doctrine is. To some, sound doctrine would include the eternal security of the believer, while another believes sound doctrine allows a Christian to fall from grace. For the most part, Jamieson doesn't get into areas of controversy, though he does mention the doctrine of election later in the book. Rather, his examples are in areas of doctrine most Christians regardless of denomination would agree on.
I would recommend this book.
March 17, 2021
An enjoyable read though it was a slow burner. I admit it’s a rather arduous journey, sloughing perhaps, through the middle of the book. It’s like the personable style of writing disappeared in the middle replaced by someone attempting to sound academic or scholarly.
I believe the writing became poorer in the middle as there were biblical citations strung together with little input, and quotations simply dropped into the text without qualification/explanation (you the reader should know what I mean by what I just inserted!) But by the end, the book came together well and finished well. I suppose if one has to chose between a good middle or good ending, chose ending well—every time. I look forward to reading this book again in the future. I think the author did a very good job in handling what could be a very laborious topic.
I believe the writing became poorer in the middle as there were biblical citations strung together with little input, and quotations simply dropped into the text without qualification/explanation (you the reader should know what I mean by what I just inserted!) But by the end, the book came together well and finished well. I suppose if one has to chose between a good middle or good ending, chose ending well—every time. I look forward to reading this book again in the future. I think the author did a very good job in handling what could be a very laborious topic.
July 14, 2020
“Sound doctrine is the lifeblood of the church. It shapes and guide the church’s teaching. It nourishes holiness. It fosters love. It grounds and repairs unity. It calls for worship. And it informs and motivates our witness to the gospel.”
A great, concise summary for the essentiality of sound doctrine in the church. Sound doctrine that doesn’t lead to practical benefit and transformation in the church isn’t really sound doctrine. Jamieson offers clear illustrations and Biblical arguments for just how important sound doctrine is for the health and life of the church.
I would recommend this book primarily to those who wonder why studying doctrine is functionally and practically important for Christians and churches.
A great, concise summary for the essentiality of sound doctrine in the church. Sound doctrine that doesn’t lead to practical benefit and transformation in the church isn’t really sound doctrine. Jamieson offers clear illustrations and Biblical arguments for just how important sound doctrine is for the health and life of the church.
I would recommend this book primarily to those who wonder why studying doctrine is functionally and practically important for Christians and churches.
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